An informal
brainstorming session preceding the second session of the Preparatory
Committee (PrepCom II) for the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD)
took place from 16-17 January 2002, at UN headquarters in New York. Over
100 participants attended the session, including representatives of
governments, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs and other major
groups.

During the
brainstorming session, participants considered two clusters of issues. The
first cluster involved a review of the implementation of Agenda 21 and
other Rio outcomes, including accomplishments, shortfalls/constraints and
lessons learned, as well as key themes and priorities emerging from the
regional preparatory meetings. The second cluster related to strengthening
implementation, including promoting an integrated and strategically
focused approach, strengthening international institutional arrangements
for sustainable development, and means of implementation. This cluster
also addressed practical steps/specific time-bound implementation
measures, and partnerships for achieving sustainable development. In
addition, participants were briefed on and discussed preparations for
PrepCom II and on a possible framework for strengthening linkages between
expected outcomes of the WSSD.

The results from
this session will inform but not prejudge PrepCom II, which is scheduled
to take place from 28 January to 8 February 2002, in New York. The WSSD
will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 26 August - 4
September 2002.